The issue of human population has become the "elephant in the room": huge but ignored by so many. In fact, human numbers count and count decisively. Uniquely, population is the multiplier of all. Without a humane resolution to the problem of population growth, all other causes will, sooner or later, become lost causes. It is high time to face the challenge and refute the many myths that surround it. Powerpoint presentation held at The Bridge Hotel Castle Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Wednesday, May 14 2014.

A significant study released today by Dr Katharine Betts and published on the Monash University Centre for Population and Urban Research website shows that, while high immigration can reduce the median age of the population by a few years, it comes at great cost.

The cost is significant population growth that lowers national productivity by taking resources away from productive investment and capital deepening. It also leads to many more older people than would be the case were the population to stabilise.

Amid all the talk by politicians and media about the imminent horror budget with cuts to many important services, Treasurer Joe Hockey fails to see the source of more than enough money to cover all these ‘holes’, according to Sustainable Population Australia (SPA).

Cutting immigration significantly, and thus the population growth rate, would free billions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on infrastructure.

Ending world population growth as soon as possible is critical if the world is to limit global warming to 2oC, according to Sustainable Population Australia (SPA).

Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its report issued yesterday said ‘urgent action’ is needed if we are to keep within the internationally agreed limit of 2oC.

A major symposium* to be held in Canberra next week will address the ethical issues surrounding migration. The symposium is being organised by Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) which felt many important aspects of migration had been ignored, not least the environmental impact of additional population on the host country, and the issue of intergenerational equity.